Canine distemper virus found in sick raccoons and foxes within the city of Petoskey

September 17, 2010|By Christina Rohn News-Review Staff Writer

The Petoskey Department of Public Safety is reporting that sick raccoons and foxes, recently found in the city of Petoskey, are infected with canine distemper.

According to John Calabrese, director of the Petoskey Department of Public Safety, his department received verification Wednesday from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment that this highly contagious virus — which does not affect humans — has been spread throughout the city among wild animals.

To date, Calabrese said his department has picked up and euthanized nearly a dozen raccoons and foxes throughout the city.

These animals, according to Calabrese, have been found in the most unlikely of places. He says they appear ill and act strangely out of character.

“We’ve found these animals standing in someone’s lawn in the day, when they’re normally nocturnal,” he said. “It does have an affect on their central nervous systems.”

Canine distemper, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, is a viral disease seen worldwide, which is closely related to the virus responsible for measles. Clinically, it is characterized by a two-phase fever, gastrointestinal and respiratory inflammation, as well as respiratory and neurological complications.

The disease is seen most often in dogs, foxes, wolves, ferret, mink, skunk and raccoon.

Calabrese said area veterinarians have not yet reported a case of canine distemper among domestic animals.

Calabrese said, besides vaccinating your pet, another thing area residents can do to keep their pets safe is to watch them closely when they are outside.

Anyone who observes an animal they believe to be suffering from canine distemper is asked to call 9-1-1 or the Petoskey Department of Public Safety at (231) 347-2500.

“Do not approach it,” Calabrese said. “We’ll come out and take care of it.”